JUNE 15

Psalm 19:12-14

A GODLY PRAYER

What are some of the things you usually pray for? For example, do you pray that you’ll do better than your friends in the science or English test? Or do you pray that your sick parent, sibling or friend will get well soon?

We must be careful that all prayers are according to God’s will. When we ask for things for our selfish wants, we actually pray wrongly. For example, if we only pray to ask for things for our birthdays or to enjoy holidays, without even thanking God for His many blessings and without thinking of our family or our friends, then we are praying amiss. Why? Such prayer is not according to God’s will. Do you think God will hear your prayer in this case?

What is godly prayer then? One example is found in our reading today. The psalmist (David) humbly asked God to wash away his sins – both known ("presumptuous") and unknown ("secret"). One of the first things we should pray about is to ask God to forgive our sins, and not to sin further against Him.

When we honestly examine our hearts and actions, God will reveal to us that we indeed have many sins to confess to Him. God can also see sins that are hidden from ourselves!

In the psalm, David also asked the Lord to keep his words and thoughts acceptable in His sight. The thoughts and words are useless if they are accepted only by man. The Christian should not live just to please man, because God is his or her Creator, Father and Judge.

What sins have you yet to confess to God? Also, what can you pray for the people around you?
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Thought: How much time have I spent praying for others?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please teach me to pray according to Your will. Help me to know more of Your will as I read the Bible. Forgive me of the times when I pray amiss. May I also always watch my heart and mouth that they are pure and holy for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.